Wait nearly over for Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show

No sooner had the doors closed on the 2014 Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show than vendors began reserving space for the 2015 show, which is yet another example of this being “the show worth waiting for.”

This year’s LVSS runs from Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8, in the redesigned and expanded 60,000-square foot Agri-Plex of the Allentown Fairgrounds, 302 North 17th St., Allentown. Admission is $10, ages 12 and younger are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult, there is no charge for parking and show hours are Friday, March 6, 1-7 p.m.; Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“It is obvious last year’s return to the original three-day format is popular with both vendors and attendees, resulting in more and a greater variety of outfitters, guides and vendors being exhibitors this year,” promoter Dennis E. Brozey said. “Our redesigned floor plan is designed for more space to visit outfitters, guides, conservation organizations, outdoors retailers, boat and RVs dealers in a more spacious setting.

“Of course there is plenty of good food available for those looking to enjoy a relaxing day at the show looking at new outdoors products. They also have the option of taking advantage of the opportunities to have a hands-on experience.”

Show attendees can visit with guides, outfitters and booking agents in a relaxed setting to book hunts for species ranging from African plains to the New York turkey woods to the Great American West to the Deep South. Guides and outfitters can make any hunter’s dreams come true with that hunt of a lifetime, or those who want to comparison shop before booking hunting or fishing trips can do so with a broker.

As for fishing trips, the options range from Pennsylvania trout streams, Lake Ontario slammer salmon, Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay species and bass waters from the 1000 Islands Region of the St. Lawrence River to the Susquehanna and Potomac rivers. And for those looking to replace or expand their tackle after booking a trip there are plenty of choices from the vendors selling all types of lures and a variety of rods – including one-of-a-kind custom models.

A feature unique to the LVSS is the National Wild Turkey Federation JAKES Indoor Shooting Range, which is a key teaching tool in the NWTF’s JAKES Take Aim program. These indoor self-contained, fully equipped air-rifle trailer shooting ranges were made available to each of the NWTF state chapter in the lower 48 states through a donation from Larry and Brenda Potterfield, founders of MidwayUSA, but are normally used only at NWTF JAKES events.

“I’m at a loss for words to express my thanks to those affiliated with the Jerry Zimmerman Chapter of the NWTF who made it possible for the 2015 Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show to have this attraction for the young sportsmen,” Brozey said. “We’re also proud to bring back the catch-and-keep trout pond in an expanded format and archery fun shoot for kids 12 and younger sponsored by A.T. Gillespie of Archery Addictions, which is located in Walnutport and is one of the largest and newest indoor archery ranges and retail outlets in the United States.

“We’re also pleased to be one of only two outdoors shows in Pennsylvania to support the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association by holding an auction that raises money for that organization’s grant program that supports outdoors-related youth education projects. This year’s auction will be held Sunday, March 8, beginning at noon, with everything from artwork to fishing and hunting trips to gear and clothing donated by our vendors being auctioned off by professional auctioneer Kim Kessler, who has donated his services.”

This year’s LVSS has a revamped seminar schedule that features additions from last year. There are also daily door prizes donated by show sponsor Cabela’s Hamburg and other vendors.